Public Works Advisory: Phase 3 Guidelines For Visiting Parks, Beaches & Nature Reserves

News Release: Hamilton, Bermuda, June 11, 2020 – The Ministry of Public Works and the Department of Parks are reminding the public on the Phase Three restrictions regarding the use of parks, beaches and nature reserves for the National Heroes Day Holiday weekend ( Friday 12^th, Saturday 13^th, Sunday 14^th & Monday 15^th June 2020 ) and the coming months.

Over the National Heroes Day Holiday weekend, all beaches, parks, and nature reserves will be closed from 8:00 pm to 5am the following morning. Furthermore, there will be no bonfires allowed at parks and beaches, and no Special or Bonfire Permits will be issued.

Otherwise, parks, beaches, and nature reserves are open for use, and as per the Phase 3 restrictions, physical distancing and hygiene guidelines are in effect.

The Department of Parks will be working with the Bermuda Police Service and the Royal Bermuda Regiment to patrol and enforce the Bermuda National Parks Regulations 1988 in the protected areas.

Patrons are reminded that park gates must remain clear at all times to allow unrestricted access by the Department of Parks maintenance and patrol vehicles and emergency service vehicles. Offending vehicles will be ticketed or moved at the owner’s expense.

Department of Parks staff will control the parking and traffic flow at Horseshoe Bay, Elbow Beach and Turtle Bay / Coopers Island Nature Reserve. For the safety of ALL patrons, vehicles must be parked in the designated parking lots.

The public is also advised that there will be NO lifeguards on duty at public beaches. However, in order to provide first aid and medical treatment, St. John Ambulance will be stationed at Horseshoe Bay to cover the south shore parks / beaches and at Southside to cover Clearwater Beach, Turtle Bay, and Coopers Island Nature Reserve.

No camping permits will be issued and overnight camping at designated campgrounds, parks, beaches, or nature reserves is not permitted.

In light of the requirements for physical distancing and the 8:00 pm closure, the Ministry and Department of Parks will close off areas when capacity is reached and/or start clearing patrons from parks and beaches at any-time.  

As a reminder, dogs are not permitted on public beaches until the October 31, 2020.

The Ministry of Public Works and the Department of Parks, thank the public for their cooperation when using protected areas and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable National Heroes Day Holiday weekend.